GABA
GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter, meaning that it helps send and regulate messages between the brain and nervous system. It is generally found in medications for anxiety, ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder) and insomnia. It is used in Optimind to enhance mood by eliminating stress, producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels to prevent fatigue and to counteract any changes in blood-pressure that can arise from caffeine intake.
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE
Phosphatidylserine is naturally produced by the body and is present in every human cell. It is also in the foods that we eat and is something our bodies need for regeneration and healing properties. It has been used as a natural treatment for things like Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression because research shows that it helps to strengthen and protect our cells, especially those in the brain. It works by strengthening cell membranes, which improves communication between brain cells. It has also been shown to aid things like heartbeat coordination and bone matrix formation, but here its main purpose is the long-term boost to cognitive function that Optimind is promising.
VITAMIN D-3
Vitamin D-3 (Cholecalciferol) is used to strengthen and improve health in your bones by increasing the levels of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc which are absorbed. These minerals are critical for mental performance, so this is another ingredient with several benefits which add up to the better long-term effects of using Optimind. In addition to that, it has been shown to aid serotonin production which will help with mood and counteract any sleep disruption from the energy boosting ingredients.
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant commonly found in vegetables and plants and has benefits such as reducing inflammation, fighting cancer, diabetes and heart disease, as well as aiding in prevention of depression and cognitive decline. It is another compound found naturally in all cells of the human body (especially in people with a healthy diet) and it aids the transformation of glucose into energy. ALA has benefited people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and those with memory loss and dementia.
CAFFEINE
Probably the most common and least surprising ingredient in most nootropic supplements, caffeine provides an jolt of energy and improves mental alertness by encouraging the production of dopamine and glutamate. It stimulates the central nervous system, muscles, the heart and affects blood pressure to create a burst of energy.
HUPERZINE A
Huperzine A is often used for treating Alzheimer's disease, but the levels used in an Optimind pill are for optimised memory and learning enhancement and for increasing alertness and energy. It is derived from the extract of a plant called Chinese club moss and works by stimulating an increase of acetylcholine, which is one of the chemicals that our nerves use to communicate in our brain and muscles. This means that the boost of acetylcholine speeds up and improves cognitive function.
TYROSINE
Tyrosine is an amino acid, which is what builds proteins in the body and aid the formation of important brain chemicals that affect mood and sleep. It occurs naturally in foods (like meat, fish, eggs, oats, beans and nuts) and has been shown to help alertness by increasing levels of chemicals like adrenaline, dopamine and norepinephrine to the brain.
TAURINE
Contrary to popular urban myths, taurine is not extracted from the bodily fluids of bulls, but rather it is an amino acid which comes from meat, fish and dairy products and occurs naturally in the human body, particularly in the brain, heart and muscles. Taurine has been found to reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease, work as an antioxidant and stimulate muscles. It may also assist people with neurological disorders and those at risk of strokes, diabetes, kidney disease and even cancer. It’s purpose in Optimind is to combine with the caffeine and B-Vitamins to reduce fatigue and also to increase the effectiveness of the GABA.
VITAMIN B-12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin which boosts mood, energy and memory as well as being good for your body in general. It is an important part of the body creating DNA and regulating hormones and maintaining the health of blood and nerve cells. This then helps with the transmission of signals in the brain and boosts cognitive function. It is also one of the main aids to breaking down carbohydrates in the body to increase energy, so it is used in Optimind for both the short term and long term benefits.
SULBUTIAMINE
Sulbutiamine is a synthetic extract of Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine) and is a coenzyme which metabolises food for generating energy and to maintain proper heart and nerve function. It is a water-soluble vitamin used in nearly every cell in the human body and is also found in foods like meat, yeast, whole grains, beans and nuts. While its main benefit in Optimind is the increased energy, this also adds to the long-term effects such as the increased capacity to retain newly learned information.
VINPOCETINE
Vinpocetine is a synthesised version of an extract from the periwinkle plant Vinca minor. It increases blood flow to the brain, which activates and enhances neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. This increases energy, helps to enhance memory and concentration and improves information processing skills.
BACOPA MONNIERI (SYNAPSA™)
Bacopa Monnieri is another antioxidant, this one derived from the Bacopa Plant which is a traditional element of Indian medicine. It has been shown to strengthen and protect cells, plus elevate levels of acetylcholine and choline which increase memory and reduce stress and anxiety.